James and Ashley Bogart: Investing in people, planning for impact

More than a decade ago, James Bogart began hiring graduates from Virginia Tech’s financial planning program. As a UVA alumnus, he didn’t have a personal tie to the university—but what he found in Hokie students left a lasting impression. Their preparation, professionalism, and passion for the field helped shape not only the growth of his firm, but also his future as a philanthropic partner.

"They came in with a level of training that cut our onboarding time in half," said Bogart, founder and CEO of Bogart Wealth, a nationally recognized registered investment advisory firm with offices in Northern Virginia and Texas. "These graduates knew the fundamentals—IRAs, Roths, brokerage accounts—they were ready. And the caliber of the Virginia Tech program was second to none."

What began as a talent pipeline evolved into a partnership. This year, James and his wife Ashley made their first major gift to Virginia Tech: a significant commitment through their family trust to establish the James and Ashley Bogart Faculty Fellowship. The endowment supports Jesse Lineberry, Director of the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) program, one of the fastest-growing majors in the Pamplin College of Business.

Their goal was clear: ensure long-term continuity and elevate the program by investing in its leadership.

A relationship rooted in real-world impact

Bogart’s relationship with Virginia Tech began nearly 15 years ago, when he hosted a group of students visiting Northern Virginia as part of a career exposure tour led by longtime faculty Ruth Lytton and Derek Klock. The connection stuck. 

Over time, he hired more than a dozen Hokie graduates and stayed engaged with faculty and students through national industry events.

"I started hearing about some of the growing pains," Bogart said. "And I realized that not only was this one of the best programs in the country, but it also had very real needs. I felt compelled to give back to an industry that’s given me so much."

Philanthropy with purpose

The Bogarts’ gift is as strategic as it is generous. It wasn’t just about writing a check—it was about strengthening the foundation of a program poised for growth.

"Ashley and I talked at length about where this gift could make the greatest impact," Bogart said. "We both agreed that it had to start with the people. If you want the best program, you need the best teachers—that means paying for and retaining top talent."

The fellowship includes a summer stipend, professional development funding, and a faculty title that signals institutional commitment.

Jesse Lineberry, the fellowship's inaugural recipient, echoed Bogart’s belief in the power of investing in people to strengthen the program.

"James has been an incredible mentor," said Lineberry, assistant professor of practice in the Department of Finance, Insurance, and Business Law. "To have the support of someone who not only hires our students but believes deeply in our program—that means the world to me."

Honoring a Legacy, Inspiring the Future

This fellowship also honors the foundation built by longtime faculty Ruth Lytton and Derek Klock, whose leadership helped shape the CFP program into a nationally respected model for financial planning education. The Bogarts’ gift ensures that the legacy continues—and grows.

"We wanted Jesse to know the program would endure beyond Ruth and Derek’s retirement," Bogart said. "There’s no point in making a gift if the program doesn’t have a future."

Pamplin College of Business Dean Saonee Sarker praised the Bogarts’ investment as both timely and transformative. 

Championing the CFP designation

For Bogart, supporting financial planning education is more than professional alignment—it’s a personal mission.

"The CFP designation is the gold standard. Clients today are more sophisticated. They want fiduciaries, not salespeople," Bogart said. "If you’re not CFP-certified, that’s a red flag."

He sees a dramatic shift underway: the old broker model is fading, replaced by a new generation of highly trained fiduciary advisors who lead with empathy and problem-solving. And as the average age of advisors creeps toward 60, the industry’s need for new talent has never been greater.

"We’re staring down a massive talent gap and a generational wealth transfer of $70 trillion. The demand for advisors who can anticipate and solve real-life problems is only growing."

Training the next generation

At Bogart Wealth, the firm has developed its own accelerated training program for new graduates, many of them Hokies.

"This next generation works differently," Bogart explained. "They thrive in cohorts, they expect process, and they’re more task-oriented than older generations were. We meet them where they are—and we train them to anticipate client needs, not just react."

That philosophy mirrors the value he sees in the Virginia Tech CFP program.

"Planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy. It’s a tool for freedom," Bogart said. "Whether someone wants to retire safely, pay for their child’s education, or take one great vacation a year, it’s all about solving problems. That’s what great advisors do."

Looking ahead

"Ashley and I are excited to keep supporting this program. But we also want to make sure every dollar has real, visible impact,” Bogart said.

As the financial planning profession evolves, so too does the Bogarts’ role in shaping it. Their gift affirms not only the value of Virginia Tech’s CFP program, but also the university’s ability to lead the future of financial education.

"This isn’t just about giving back," Bogart said. "It’s about investing forward."

Building momentum

The Bogarts are among a growing group of donors investing in the future of financial planning at Virginia Tech. Brett and Laura Roper—along with support from Steve Williamson and the Financial Planning Advisory Board—recently established the Dr. Ruth H. Lytton Selfless Service Endowed Scholarship. 

The award honors Lytton’s legacy as founder of the CFP program and will be given to students who demonstrate exceptional service to the Financial Planning and Wealth Management major. Their gift adds to the wave of philanthropic support shaping the program’s next chapter.